A warm wholesome Pumpkin Lentil Soup for autumn
It's pumpkin season, and I'm excited to bring you a series of delicious pumpkin recipes all month long. As the leaves change and the air turns crisp, I find comfort in the warmth of my kitchen. The chilly days and long nights are made better with a steaming bowl of soup, and this one-pot Pumpkin and Lentil Soup is a favorite in my household. Not only is it a hearty and satisfying meal, but it's also a creative way to repurpose pumpkins and reduce food waste.
Embracing the Pumpkin
Did you know that approximately 1.3 billion pounds of pumpkins go to waste each year? Rather than tossing them aside, let's make the most of this versatile and budget-friendly ingredient. Pumpkins are not only abundant but also neutral in taste, making them a perfect canvas for a variety of comforting dishes. With winter just around the corner, I'm excited to share this delightful Pumpkin and Lentil Soup recipe that has become a staple in my home.
Ingredients:
6 cups of pumpkin
2 carrots
2 potatoes
½ a leek, sliced
1 3/4 cup of green lentils
1 onion, chopped
5 cloves of garlic, minced
9 cups of vegetable broth
2 teaspoons of salt (adjust to taste)
½ cup of olive oil
2 Swiss chard leaves, sliced
Instructions:
Preparation: Start by peeling and chopping the pumpkin, carrots, potatoes, and leek. Set them aside with green lentils, onion, and minced garlic.
One-Pot Magic: In a slow cooker, combine all the prepped ingredients along with the vegetable broth and salt. Set the slow cooker to low heat and let it work its magic for 6-8 hours.
Velvety Finish: Once the soup is ready, transfer about ¾ of it into a blender. Add the ½ cup of olive oil and blend until smooth. This step will give the soup a velvety texture that's both comforting and indulgent. Pour the blended mixture back into the soup pot and stir well.
Add Some Greens: Before serving, mix in the sliced Swiss chard leaves. This adds a vibrant touch and a nutritious element to your soup.
Enjoying Your Hearty Meal
This Pumpkin and Lentil Soup is not just a soup; it's a complete meal in a bowl. With the rich and earthy flavors of pumpkin, lentils, and olive oil, it's a wholesome and satisfying dish. The inclusion of Swiss chard leaves not only elevates the visual appeal but also brings a freshness to each spoonful.
As we enter the season of warmth and gratitude, this soup is a wonderful reminder of how a humble ingredient like pumpkin can be transformed into something truly exceptional. So, embrace the pumpkin and enjoy this velvety and chunky lentil soup to keep you cozy on those chilly evenings. It's a bowl of comfort that doubles as a solution to food waste, and I can't wait for you to savor it. Bon appétit!
